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More than 200 individuals gathered across six venues in Iowa on April 10, 2025, to celebrate the 12th Annual Iowa Religious Freedom Day. The event included participants from various religious backgrounds, emphasizing the role of faith in fostering peace.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a key sponsor, collaborating on the interfaith breakfast with the Iowa Catholic Conference. The breakfast featured traditional Sikh hymns and a flute choir, a reading of Governor Kim Reynolds’ proclamation on religious freedom, and interfaith prayers. Governor Reynolds encouraged "all residents to strive to understand the experiences and values of others while supporting the essential role religion plays in strengthening our social fabric and fostering a culture of peace."
State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott emphasized the significance of interfaith collaboration to address community needs. She also addressed Latter-day Saints high school students, advocating for engagement with elected officials. Elder Kirt L. Hodges of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged youths to engage in civic duties. "Heavenly Father wants us to be kind, to be engaged with those around us, to serve, and to make friends," he said. Elder Hodges stressed the importance of voicing concerns even before reaching voting age.
The primary event was an evening symposium in Des Moines, featuring keynotes and workshops on peacemaking. Dr. Shirley A. Mullen, President Emerita of Houghton College, and Steven T. Collis, a religious liberty expert, contributed their insights. Dr. Mullen discussed the resilience required for peacemaking, while Collis contended that "It is not religion that causes war but the lack of religious liberty," emphasizing religious freedom as a foundation for societal harmony.
In Colorado, a similar event at the State Capitol marked religious freedom recognition. The gathering featured Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, State Senator Iman Jodeh, and interfaith leaders. Governor Polis highlighted the foundational role of religious freedom in America, saying, "freedom of religion or freedom of worship without fear of retribution is one of the founding principles of our country." He proclaimed April 10, 2025, as “Religious Freedom Day,” urging residents to seek common ground and respect different rights and concerns.
Attorney General Weiser echoed this sentiment, calling for harmonious living, while Dr. Rosemarie Allen emphasized the uniting power of religious freedom.
Feedback from attendees in Iowa, like Brian Warby from Cedar Falls and Sonya Strathearn from Iowa City, was positive, praising the intellectually engaging discussions and resolve to foster peacemaking.
